Above Avalon

An Apple's earnings report represents a snapshot of how business has performed over the previous three months. In this week's episode, instead of going over all of the numbers and details from Apple's 4Q15 earnings report, we ask a very simple question: How is Apple doing? By looking at the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, we reach some conclusions regarding how Apple is doing in its quest to make technology more personal. We also briefly discuss 4Q15 and 2016 financial trends, including slowing growth metrics. We conclude with my grand theory on what is happening to Apple in today's society and where the most risk to Apple resides. More information on Above Avalon memberships can be found at AboveAvalon.com.

The smartphone industry is once again showing signs of change. The speed at which the U.S. has embraced annual smartphone upgrades, in addition to the new smartphone landscape in China, show that the market is not static or set in stone. In this episode, we go over the three goals that comprise Apple's iPhone mission. What are the things that drive Apple's long-term vision for iPhone? We discuss how Apple thinks about personal technology, cheap vs. used iPhones, and keeping the iPhone experience alive. We conclude with a brief discussion on Apple's upcoming earnings and why these quarterly reports have taken on a different feel lately. More specific expectations for iPhone and Apple Watch unit sales are also referenced. More information on Above Avalon memberships can be found at AboveAvalon.com

The smartphone industry is once again showing signs of change. The speed at which the U.S. has embraced annual smartphone upgrades, in addition to the new smartphone landscape in China, show that the market is not static or set in stone. In this episode, we go over the three goals that comprise Apple's iPhone mission. What are the things that drive Apple's long-term vision for iPhone? We discuss how Apple thinks about personal technology, cheap vs. used iPhones, and keeping the iPhone experience alive. We conclude with a brief discussion on Apple's upcoming earnings and why these quarterly reports have taken on a different feel lately. More specific expectations for iPhone and Apple Watch unit sales are also referenced. More information on Above Avalon memberships can be found at AboveAvalon.com

Apple has thrust the topic of design into today's society. In Episode 38, we take a closer look at how design can marginalize industries and in the process change the world. After briefly discussing what constitutes good design, we use the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch as case studies for how Apple positions design as a way to alter an industry's value proposition. We also connect good design to the start-up mentality found with Project Titan (Episode 36) to explain Apple's secrets to success. Additional commentary found in this episode includes Dieter Rams' 10 principles of good design, Elon Musk's recent criticism of Apple resulting from frustration, and reasons why good design needs to include a high level of risk. More information on Above Avalon memberships can be found at AboveAvalon.com

Apple has thrust the topic of design into today's society. In Episode 38, we take a closer look at how design can marginalize industries and in the process change the world. After briefly discussing what constitutes good design, we use the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch as case studies for how Apple positions design as a way to alter an industry's value proposition. We also connect good design to the start-up mentality found with Project Titan (Episode 36) to explain Apple's secrets to success. Additional commentary found in this episode includes Dieter Rams' 10 principles of good design, Elon Musk's recent criticism of Apple resulting from frustration, and reasons why good design needs to include a high level of risk. More information on Above Avalon memberships can be found at AboveAvalon.com

The Apple Watch was unveiled to the world a year ago. Since that time, expectations for the first new product category in the Tim Cook/Jony Ive era have seen a complete reversal. What was once deemed Apple's next big product after the iPhone is now looked at as a toy that missed the mark. In this episode, I take a closer look at the drivers behind this dramatic shift in expectations and the trends taking place that suggest many are underestimating the Apple Watch. Not only does the Apple Watch have potential and promise in a world where the iPhone is our most important computer, but Apple's Watch retail rollout, revised marketing strategy, and focus on watch bands reveal that the Watch is misunderstood and greatly underestimated. More information on Above Avalon memberships can be found at AboveAvalon.com.

The Apple Watch was unveiled to the world a year ago. Since that time, expectations for the first new product category in the Tim Cook/Jony Ive era have seen a complete reversal. What was once deemed Apple's next big product after the iPhone is now looked at as a toy that missed the mark. In this episode, I take a closer look at the drivers behind this dramatic shift in expectations and the trends taking place that suggest many are underestimating the Apple Watch. Not only does the Apple Watch have potential and promise in a world where the iPhone is our most important computer, but Apple's Watch retail rollout, revised marketing strategy, and focus on watch bands reveal that the Watch is misunderstood and greatly underestimated. More information on Above Avalon memberships can be found at AboveAvalon.com.

There continues to be a debate over what makes Apple so successful. While some may think the answer remains elusive, looking at the way Apple is building Project Titan will help provide clues and answers as to how Apple thinks about success. The more important discussion takes place not by focusing on certain technologies or industry data, but by looking at the ingredients required to build great teams. We compare Apple Car development to the way the iPhone and Apple Watch were developed to note both similarities and differences. We conclude with some of my observations as to where Project Titan may proceed and how it may look in the future. More information on Above Avalon memberships can be found at AboveAvalon.com.

There continues to be a debate over what makes Apple so successful. While some may think the answer remains elusive, looking at the way Apple is building Project Titan will help provide clues and answers as to how Apple thinks about success. The more important discussion takes place not by focusing on certain technologies or industry data, but by looking at the ingredients required to build great teams. We compare Apple Car development to the way the iPhone and Apple Watch were developed to note both similarities and differences. We conclude with some of my observations as to where Project Titan may proceed and how it may look in the future. More information on Above Avalon memberships can be found at AboveAvalon.com.

Along with launching new iPhones, Apple began a new service in the U.S. called the iPhone Upgrade Program. Episode 35 takes a closer look at the program and what it was like to purchase an iPhone 6s Plus through the new service. After discussing some of the lesser-known details of the plan, I then look at how leasing instead of buying iPhones impacts Apple. Ultimately, leasing and upgrading iPhones every year has a major impact on the iPhone development cycle, a cycle which I view as similar to the one Pixar uses when developing films. We conclude with a talk on the financial implications of leasing phones including why revenue may be deferred and how residual iPhone values could change due to grey market supply/demand.